Question 1

In India, there was a long tradition of professional letter writers, but they have become largely obsolete with the entry of the cell phone and other elements of Western culture. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Cultural imperialism refers to the dominance of one culture over another, often as a result of globalization and the influence of Western culture, leading to the decline of traditional practices.

Question 2

The National Organization for Women, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Hispanic American Organization are all examples of groups who are working for the rights of minorities. Therefore, they are engaged in:

Accepted Answer

These groups are engaging in identity politics, meaning they are advocating for the rights and interests of a specific group based on their shared identity as a minority. This is different from ethnocentrism, which is the belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic or cultural group. Counterculturalism involves rejecting mainstream cultural norms, and Americanization refers to the process of assimilating into American culture.

Question 3

Every year, Americans spend billions on Christmas presents. Walmart, Target, and Kohl's are found in almost every state within the United States. This reflects the fact that the United States is a(n) ____________________________.

Accepted Answer

The fact that Americans spend billions on Christmas presents and that businesses like Walmart, Target, and Kohl's are found in almost every state within the United States reflects a consumer culture, where there is an emphasis on buying and consuming goods and services.

Question 4

What is the main difference between subcultures and countercultures? Give one example of a subculture and one example of a counterculture to illustrate this difference.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the main difference between subcultures...

Question 5

Advertisements for products can now be found in newspaper circulars, Internet ads, and television commercials. This is a reflection of how the United States is a __________________________.

Accepted Answer

The fact that advertisements are present in various forms of media reflects that the United States is a consumer culture, where the economy and society are driven by consumerism and the purchase of goods and services.

Question 6

Select a brand that has spread globally, such as Starbucks, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, or another similar company. Define cultural imperialism and Americanization, and use your chosen brand to discuss these processes. What are some ways that local cultures push back against the globalization of American brands?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Select a brand that has spread globally,...

Question 7

Instead of lavish shows of wealth, some circles of upper class culture may still wear inexpensive clothes or drive an economy car. This is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Inconspicuous consumption refers to the deliberate effort to not display one's wealth through lavish displays of material possessions, often in an effort to avoid ostentatiousness or to promote a more minimalist lifestyle. This can include wearing inexpensive clothes or driving economy cars.

Question 8

Multiculturalism has received attention in recent years. Use this question to discuss cultural diversity and assimilation in the United States and Europe. Why do some people say that multiculturalism is failing? How is Americanization different than multiculturalism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Multiculturalism has received attention in recent years....

Question 9

Today, millions of people have joined Internet sites such as Facebook. These sites have norms and specific rules are enforced. Sites such as Facebook are examples of:

Accepted Answer

Cyberculture refers to the culture created by the use of technology, especially the internet. Internet sites such as Facebook have specific norms and rules that are enforced, which makes them examples of cyberculture. Consumer culture (A) refers to the culture created by the consumption and purchase of goods and services. Cultural imperialism (C) refers to the imposition of one culture on another, often through force or economic domination. Postconsumer culture (D) refers to a culture that rejects consumerism as its primary way of organizing society.

Question 10

Some Iraqis have been resistant to a democratic government, which was imposed on them by the United States. Therefore, some Iraqis see this imposition as a form of:

Accepted Answer

Cultural imperialism refers to the imposition of one culture onto another, often through political or economic power. The fact that the United States imposed a democratic government on Iraq could be seen as an example of cultural imperialism, especially if some Iraqis feel it is not representative of their own cultural values and beliefs.

Question 11

Avid users of Apple products who identify with a community of other Mac users is an example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

A subculture is a group of people within a larger culture who have shared interests and beliefs. A community of Mac users would be considered a subculture within the larger culture of technology users.

Question 12

In a recent study of school children in China, many of them had images of Mickey Mouse either on their backpacks or on their lunchboxes. This reflects the process of _____________________________.

Accepted Answer

The presence of images of Mickey Mouse on school children's backpacks and lunchboxes in China reflects Americanization, as Mickey Mouse is a well-known American cultural icon.

Question 13

Recently, Democrats and Republicans have battled over balancing the budget and health care reform, with each side believing that their agenda is the best. This struggle between the two political parties is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Recently, Democrats and Republicans have battled over...

Question 14

What are the building blocks of consumer culture? What are some other ways in which culture has been organized? Why is marketing to children considered controversial, and why does the author suggest we might be in a postconsumer culture?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the building blocks of consumer...

Question 15

The most controversial aspect of consumer culture according to Dr. Ritzer is:

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ritzer discusses the direct marketing of consumer items to children as the most controversial aspect of consumer culture, citing concerns about the negative impacts on children's health, well-being, and development. This includes the targeting of children through advertising, product placement, and branding strategies that exploit their vulnerabilities and create a lifelong dependence on consumerism.

Question 16

John believes that democracy is the best form of government in the world and believes that every country should follow suit and create a democratic system. Based on this, John could be described as _________________________.

Accepted Answer

John's belief that democracy is the best form of government in the world and that every country should follow suit reflects an ethnocentric perspective. Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own culture or society is superior to others. In this case, John is exalting the virtues of democratic government as the best possible system without considering the unique contexts and needs of each country or cultural group.

Question 17

Discuss two elements of a cyberculture. Name two values and two norms that are followed within a cyberculture. What gave rise to the particular norms and values?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss two elements of a cyberculture. Name...

Question 18

Organized groups that actively seek to subvert aspects of consumer culture are engaging in:

Accepted Answer

Organized groups that actively seek to subvert aspects of consumer culture are engaging in culture jamming, which involves using various forms of media and communication to challenge dominant cultural messages and encourage critical thinking about consumerism. Culture relativism refers to the idea that cultural beliefs and practices should be understood in their own context rather than judged by outside standards. Culture lag refers to a delay in the adoption of new technologies or cultural practices. Culture diffusion refers to the spread of cultural beliefs and practices from one group to another.

Question 19

What is culture jamming? Provide one example of culture jamming. What message did the example "jam"? More generally, what do those involved in this practice hope to accomplish?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is culture jamming? Provide one example...

Quiz 4: Culture